Houston Rockets tee up $25M Toyota Center Overhall

The Houston Rockets are lining up another big investment at Toyota Center, planning a full renovation of the arena’s suites as the team continues to modernize its 21-year-old downtown home.

All suites at the Toyota Center will be renovated in a project estimated to cost $24.6 million, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County Houston Sports Authority, confirmed the plans to the Houston Business Journal. The Rockets will cover the full cost of the work at 1510 Polk Street.

Construction is expected to begin in April 2026 and wrap up in October 2027, the TDLR filing shows, though timelines in such filings are often subject to revision.

From a real estate and venue-operations perspective, the suite project is a prime example of how professional sports teams are investing in premium spaces that drive revenue. The outlet reported that corporate suites and high-end hospitality areas have become a focal point, as teams look to compete for sponsors and affluent fans while keeping older arenas relevant in a market crowded with newer venues.

The suite renovation is the latest in a string of team-funded upgrades at Toyota Center. Most recently, the Rockets kicked off a $10.5 million project to replace all 17,000 bowl seats in the arena. The new seats will feature black sports-weave material, replacing the venue’s longstanding red color scheme, without reducing capacity. That project is expected to be completed by July 2026.

The team has also wrapped up a $7.5 million roof replacement, addressing another major building system that dated back to the arena’s 2003 opening. In addition, the Rockets spent $22 million to install new LED ribbon boards, and a center-hung scoreboard that was unveiled at the start of the 2024 season. The 6,200-square-foot display increased LED surface area by 84 percent and added four underbelly screens, further pushing Toyota Center toward a more immersive, tech-forward experience.

Other recent additions include the Sire Spirits Social Club, which debuted during the 2022-23 season and reflects the broader shift toward experiential and branded spaces inside sports venues.

— Eric Weilbacher